The Influential Mind

A cutting-edge, research-based inquiry into how we influence those around us, and how understanding the brain can help us change minds for the better.Part of our daily job as humans is to influence others; we teach our children, guide our patients, advise our clients, help our friends and inform our online followers. We do this because we each have unique experiences and knowledge that others may not. But how good are we at this role? It turns out we systematically fall back on suboptimal habits when trying to change other's beliefs and behaviors. Many of these instincts-from trying to scare people into action, to insisting the other is wrong or attempting to exert control-are ineffective, because they are incompatible with how the mind operates. The principle idea of this book is that an attempt to change will be successful if it is well-matched with the core elements that govern how our brain works. Sharot unveils the hidden power of influence, good and bad, and enables us to identify instances in which we fall prey to delusions. The book will search deep below the surface-relying on the latest research in neuroscience and psychology-to provide new insight into human behavior.

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Reviews

The Influential Mind will make you gasp with surprise - and laugh with recognition. Many of our most cherished beliefs about how to influence others turn out to be wrong; Sharot sets them right. Packed with practical insights, this profound book will change your life. An instant classic -- Cass R. Sunstein, Harvard University; former Administrator for the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs and bestselling coauthor of Nudge Take it from a leading neuroscientist: every day, we all miss opportunities to influence others. This timely, intriguing book explains why it's so difficult to shift the attitudes and actions of others - and what we can do about it -- Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take This brilliant and timely book is essential reading for anyone who wants an intelligent, principled guide to getting their ideas heard and their hopes fulfilled. If you follow Tali Sharot's scientifically-backed guidance, you'll become one of those great communicators and changemakers that everyone raves about - persuasive and inspirational in equal measure -- Caroline Webb, author of How to Have a Good Day This book not only a primer on persuasion; it is far more valuable than that. It explains why so many of our well-meaning attempts to change people's minds can backfire so badly. Trump haters take note -- Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman, Oglivy & Mather

Author description

Tali Sharot is a neuroscientist. She is the author of The Optimism Bias, the director of the Affective Brain Lab at University College London and a Wellcome Trust Fellow. Tali's papers on the neuroscience of optimism, emotional memories and cognitive dissonance have been published in top scientific journals including Nature, Science, Nature Neuroscience and Psychological Science. She has also written for the New York Times, Observer and Time Magazine.